Zucchini is a vegetable that tolerates low temperatures well but is not resistant to high heat. It thrives in temperatures between 15°C and 29°C, with poor growth below 15°C and no growth at 10°C. Flowering is affected when temperatures fall below 15°C or exceed 32°C, leading to flower drop. High temperatures can increase the risk of viral diseases, while hot and humid conditions may lead to excessive fruit development. The ideal temperature range for flowering is 20°C to 25°C.
Zucchini has a strong root system, which allows it to absorb nutrients efficiently. It produces fruits quickly, so it requires deep, loose, and fertile loam soil, along with sufficient fertilization and irrigation. Proper care ensures healthy growth and high yield.
There are several cultivation methods for zucchini, including open field planting, mulch cultivation, small shed farming, and greenhouse production. In open fields, summer squash is typically planted once a year and harvested in spring. However, early-maturing varieties under small sheds have gained popularity, especially in areas with longer frost-free periods where autumn planting is now being experimented with.
For open field planting, seeds are sown in mid-April to early May, about 10–15 days before the last frost. Soil preparation involves creating raised beds 2 meters wide and 1 meter deep, with 40–50 cm spacing between holes. Two to three seeds are sown per hole, and after watering, the area is covered with soil. A week later, the bed is flattened to help seedlings emerge more easily.
During the seedling stage, regular weeding and soil loosening promote root development. Watering is avoided until just before flowering to encourage strong stem growth. Once female flowers appear, watering and top-dressing begin, gradually increasing as the fruits develop. Fertilizing two to three times helps accelerate fruit growth and prevents early aging.
In film-covered cultivation, zucchini can be directly seeded or transplanted. Seedlings are usually planted in mid-March to mid-April, with transplanting done from late April to early May. Mulched beds are prepared, and plants are spaced about 40 cm apart. Watering is done carefully to avoid overwatering, which can lower soil temperature.
In northern regions, zucchini is often planted in late May or intercropped with corn, with harvests occurring from August to September. For early maturation, small arch sheds are used. Seedlings grown in containers like paper tubes or plastic bowls develop better root systems. They are sown in greenhouses in mid-February to early March, with careful temperature control during germination and hardening off.
Planting under small sheds begins when night temperatures rise above 5°C. Straw mats are used to cover the beds, and proper spacing is maintained to allow for easy management. Temperature control is crucial—daytime temperatures should stay between 25–30°C, and nighttime temperatures around 15–20°C. Ventilation is gradually introduced as the plants grow.
Watering is done weekly, and soil cultivation helps stimulate root growth. When fruits reach 6–10 cm, compost is applied to support further development. During the harvest period, water and fertilizer are applied every 5–7 days, and foliar sprays of urea or potassium dihydrogen phosphate enhance fruit quality.
Zucchini flowers often bloom unevenly, with female flowers opening earlier than male ones. This can cause pollination issues, especially in greenhouses where temperature and humidity fluctuations occur. To address this, 2,4-D or artificial pollination is used, and some plants are grown in advance to provide pollen sources.
Harvesting typically occurs 10–15 days after flowering, when fruits weigh about 0.3 kg. Regular harvesting promotes continuous growth, while mature plants can be left longer to delay further fruiting.
Small sheds allow for early planting and harvesting, reducing disease risks and lowering production costs. Greenhouse cultivation is common in colder regions, with planting starting in February and continuing through March. Overwintering zucchini is planted in October to November, with harvests occurring around New Year and Spring Festival.
Early spring planting in greenhouses starts in December, with harvests in March. Zucchini can also be intercropped with oilseed rape, allowing for multiple harvests. After 3–4 harvests, some plants can be pruned to improve air circulation and light exposure, enhancing overall productivity.
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